downtown

For at least the last three years, the Muttart Conservatory has opened their Lunar New Year show with a bang – literally. A fireworks show along with a day full of performances welcomed in the New Year. The exhibit itself was grand, with countless red lanterns lighting up the dark long evenings of Edmonton winters. The 2017 celebration of Year of the Rooster at Muttart Conservatory will be on February 4, 2017 from 4-8pm. Fireworks will…

Yegventures has had the opportunity to view the Edmonton New Years Fireworks from Above for the last 6 years. The newest 2017 edition is now posted. Note in 2012, the fireworks were actually launched from behind City Hall. Since the construction of the Royal Alberta Museum, they have since been launched from on top of the Stanley Milner Library over Churchill Square. For the 2017 New Year’s Eve, there were two shows, one at 8:30pm for the…

When one spends a quarter of their adult life behind a window pane, even unobstructed views of nature are sometimes seen as just another wall of the office cubicle, especially in winter. Fortunately in Edmonton, our long winter nights, coupled with a low solar angle, means that city dwellers have the opportunity to view long colourful sunrises on the commute to work and school. Having a perch with a million dollar view and starting work…

Don’t miss the light up of the most extensive Christmas light display in the city. It MAY be the first time Rachel Notley will take the honour of launching this Alberta holiday tradition which began in 1985. 2016 Celebrate the Season (Dec 2-23, 2016, light up Dec 1) The December 2nd event will begin Celebrate The Season, a 3 week long festivity (Dec 2-23, 2016) at the Alberta Legislature featuring daily performances by choirs across the…

Rust Magic 2016 has spraypainted new public murals across the city in a span of several days. The graffiti arts festival aimed to add 17 new murals to the urban landscape, and has already completed 11 in its opening weekend. This weekend, additional murals will be added to The Pearl, Chez Pierre Cabaret, and Quasar Bottle Depot. While the paint is still fresh, a video is not yet available. However, we’ve put together an Edmonton Mural…

PARK(ing) Day returns to Edmonton Sept 16, 2016 on Angel Way in The Quarters downtown. Edmonton will join cities around the world in making use of parking spaces in a different way. The event started in San Francisco and has taken life of its own. Last year, the CityLab Edmonton project had a Star Trek library, some public outreach stalls, and countless other installations. A group with the historic Chinatown group hosted tours of the…

With spring just arriving in Edmonton, everyone is just dying to go out and take some refreshing photos with family, friends, and that special someone. In Edmonton, the golden window for tree blossoms around the city has been between May 18 to May 28. Note that these are tree blossoms, as opposed to bush blossoms, which started blooming early in 2016 early on April 19, so be prepared for any week now. Here are some…

The Festival of Trees is one of the earlier events kicking off the winter festival run in the city. You’ll find hundreds of beautifully decorated trees here every year. The event proceeds go to the University Hospital Foundation, this year supporting the trauma unit and complex surgeries. With 160 trees this year, there is always something to see around the corner. This year the festival runs from Thursday, Nov 26 to Sunday, Nov 29 from 9am-9pm…

All Is Bright winter festival is among the first to kick off the long list of winter festivals in Edmonton. It began with the WinterCities initiative and local businesses along 124 St and High Street and has been well received by the community. Being affected by delayed construction on the 102 Ave bridge, the festival has become a beacon of hope for many, drawing visitors from around the capital region. At the most recent All…

It’s a mouthful but it’s a whole lotta fun as the annual Christmas tree gets lit up in Churchill Square. Holiday Light Up On The Square this year is Saturday, Nov 14, 2015 from 4-7pm and is free. Organized by the Downtown Business Association, there will be family fun (including family-friendly burlesque) after the City Market closes with extended hours. Fireworks will launch as the tree is lit up. Food bank donations will also be accepted…